10 Greatest Foreigners Ever To Play For Celtic FC
6. Neil Lennon
Nationality – Northern Ireland
Signed by Martin O’Neill from Leicester City in 2000 as a holding midfielder, his presence on the pitch was meant to bolster the defensive aspect of the team and cover for the more attack-minded players and do the unglamorous defensive roles in the middle of the park.
His first season saw Lennon pick-up three winner’s medals as Celtic swept to a domestic treble, winning the Scottish Premier League, Scottish Cup and Scottish League Cup. It was also a measure of his dedication to the side. The next four seasons at Celtic saw Lennon win a further two league championships and two Scottish Cups. He was also an integral part of the Celtic side that reached the UEFA Cup Final in 2003, losing 2-3 to Porto after extra time. As a reflection of his importance to the team and the club, he was made captain of the side in 2005, a well-earned accolade.
5. Bertie Peacock
[front row , fourth from left]
Nationality – Northern Ireland
The immensely popular figure of Bertie Peacock was a huge favourite of the Celtic fans of the 1950s. He signed for the Bhoys in May 1949. A very hard working player – he was nicknamed ‘The Little Ant’ due to his amazing work-rate and his wee size – Bertie was a driving force within the Celtic team and his energy and tenacious tackling inspired team-mates and supporters alike. His excellent close control, good dribbling skills and cool head allowed him to dictate the play from deep and his fitness and stamina were second to none.
He would go on to become captain and a club legend. During his time at the club he won one league title and two Scottish Cups. He also won two League Cups – including being skipper of that legendary team that thrashed Rangers 7-1 in October 1957 and was there for all the success over that brief golden period over the few years from 1953-1957. He left Celtic in 1961 to rejoin his hometown club Coleraine.
4. Charlie Tully
Nationality – Northern Ireland
While the history of Celtic has featured many great characters, it is doubtful if many others have been as colourful as Charles Patrick Tully. Blessed with a rare abundance of skill Tully was the darling of the Hoops fans for over a decade and his cheeky approach to football has made him one of the best loved Celtic icons of all time. Tully moved to Parkhead in June 1948 from his hometown side Belfast Celtic where he had been idolised by the support.
Charlie’s skill quickly earned him the reputation as a Celtic great after an outstanding performance against Rangers in a 3-1 victory at Celtic Park where it was reported ‘Tully dribbled about almost at will.’ ‘..The miraculous Irishman bewildered, badgered…. mesmerised Rangers..’ He played a total of 319 matches for Celtic, scoring 47 goals, throughout his career, which spanned 11 years.
Alan Thompson but no Lubo? Are you kidding me?
I think Moravcik, Nakamura, Sutton and Mjallby deserve to be on this list